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As title really folks, me and a couple of mates are heading down the road to checkout a few houses in a couple of hours.
Is there any particular questions we should be asking, things to watch out for, tips to get the price down etc ?
Thanks for any advice :rockon:
its unlikely you'll blag prices down..
check for damp, any dripping, any sign of leaks. you want a back garden (if any) thats paved, not grass, cos that'll just get overdone with weeds. check how far it is from a pub and a shop. check for parking if important. check rooms are ~ equal size (if you dont want arguments) and check the living room is big enough to have a bunch of lads round for a film.. check you can have partys n stuff - neighbours are most important for this - you dont want a family living next door.
check that there is everything in the kitchen that you might need, and what the arrangements on bills are...
i made the mistake of allowing someone else to vet the house for me, and it was horrible, tiny and crap, i had a really crap year because of it... if you really don't like the house, don't sign the contract.
if you see something you like... make a decision quick. I mean like that day. That moment if possible. Decent student places get snapped up quick. We got screwed on a 2 or 3 places we said we liked but didnt make a decision there and then even though they said they would contact us within a week or less.
main thing is not to have pressure put on u by the letting agent. they say all kind of crap to get u to sign there & then...beware of the "well there were others in here earlier & they want to sign, but if you come sign now i'll let you have it"...its all crap. Make sure that all rooms are even, that the house keeps warm & that its well insulated (saves BIG TIME cash on gas & electric bills). Also be on the look out for any deals where tv licence/other bills are included, can really save money in the long run :)
Ta for the comments... the house turned out to be abit of a dive. Seeing another one today though :)
* Check you have good locks and ideally an alarm system.
* Check out the area with anyone who lives nearby...watch out for the equivilent of Longsite (Manchester) or other hotspots of trouble
* Test the walls for damp - a quick feel of them while looking around and if they either feel wet or very cold - is a good indication
* Find out if you can fit seperate locks on the door. You may be able to trust your mates, but they may have friends who may not be trustworthy.
* Get insurance asap!
Good luck.
gas safety certificate.
try asking the current residents about the hosue and what the landlord is like. i'm doing the same at the mo, saw a couple o reasonable houses but the current tenants said to not live there cos of the landlord.
Good couple of extra points...
Go for gas heating over electric.... electric heating is so much more expensive than
gas you wont believe it. non carpet rooms feel much colder.
also, i personally recon its worth paying an extra few quid and using a reputable agency - this means getting your deposit back at the end of your time will be easier..
i wouldnt personally worry about an alarm - you'll probably not use it as students..
dont get anything unless you're happy - you've started the search early which means you'll probably have the pick of hte bunch - look at a few to see whats out there before signing up.
you are the customer.
you are paying.
Therefore ask as many stupid questions as you like. Take notes, photos if you like. Take your time. Book another appointment if necesary.